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Hey watch enthusiasts!

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news from Seiko. They've just announced the launch of their Prospex ‘Pogue’ Solar Chronograph 1969 Re-Interpretation, and it’s a true homage to a legendary timepiece.

A Nod to History: The Seiko Speedtimer

In 1969, Seiko revolutionized the watch industry with the world's first automatic chronograph, the Seiko Speedtimer. This innovation was a game-changer, combining precise timekeeping with automatic winding – a true feat of engineering at the time.

The Legend of the 'Pogue'

One particular piece from the Speedtimer series achieved fame beyond Earth. NASA astronaut Colonel William Pogue took the original Speedtimer on a mission to Skylab, the first US space station, in the early 70s. This historic journey earned the watch its affectionate nickname, the 'Pogue.' Pogue’s choice highlighted the reliability and durability of Seiko watches, even in the most extreme conditions of space.

When I first heard that the “Pogue” was being brought back by Seiko, that news alone had me reaching for my wallet! I love the Pogue – it’s a historic Seiko with a rich history and an iconic look.

Design and Features

This modern re-interpretation stays true to the iconic style that made the original so beloved. Let’s dive into what makes this watch special:

• Vivid Yellow Dial: The dial, protected by a curved sapphire crystal glass, replicates the striking yellow of the original chronograph.

• Distinctive Hands: The second hand and subdial minute hand at 6 o'clock are in bright red, staying true to the original design.

• Enhanced Legibility: With 12 spots of Lumibrite on the wide vintage-style indices, this watch ensures excellent visibility in low light conditions.

• Classic Bezel: The blue and red aluminium bezel features a tachymeter, complemented by a chronometer second scale on the inside dial ring.

I also love the Speedtimer range from Seiko; the design, color variations, and solar functionality are genuinely useful. However, I can't help feeling that Seiko has dressed the Speedtimer up in Pogue clothing, if you will.

Modern Precision

While it celebrates the past, this watch is very much a product of modern technology. It features the V192 solar chronograph calibre, which charges in both natural and artificial light. Here are some of its impressive specs:

• Accuracy: Accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month.

• Power Reserve: Offers a power reserve of 6 months when fully charged.

It will undoubtedly be a good watch, as the Speedtimers are fantastic, but I was hoping for a genuine re-release of the Pogue. In this instance, Seiko seems to have missed an opportunity to bring an iconic watch back into the market that a lot of watch lovers and enthusiasts would have clamored to buy.

Availability and Pricing

The Prospex 'Pogue' Solar Chronograph 1969 Re-Interpretation will be available for pre-order starting on the 5th of July. You can secure yours at Seikoboutique.co.uk for £600.

Final Thoughts

I’m sure this reinterpretation will have its fans, and it is priced sensibly. Perhaps that's the trade-off, as producing a genuine Pogue copy in terms of case and automatic movement would have increased the price substantially. For me, though, this version will be a good watch, but a re-released Pogue would be a dream come true!

Want to learn more about the Seiko solar movement? Check out my detailed article here. If you're interested in more specifics about the Seiko Solar Speedtimer, my review here dives deep into the details.

What do you think about this latest release? Will you be adding the 'Pogue' to your collection? Let me know in the comments below!